Postdoc position in skin mechanobiology at reNEW, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) at the Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMI), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen is looking for a Postdoctoral candidate to join the Aragona group starting April 2026 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate.
Our research
The team studies fundamental mechanisms of stem cell biology and tissue architecture establishment and maintenance. The group aims to understand how neighbouring cells coordinate their decisions to build tissues with specialized structure and function. In particular, we want to investigate how mechanical cues affect gene transcription, stem cells dynamics and fate decisions. This research project will study the mechanisms by which the different compartments of the skin cope with mechanical stress by using a mouse model of skin stretching in vivo, and by performing lineage tracing, clonal analysis and transcriptomic profiling. Starting date for this position is the 1 April 2026, or upon agreement with the chosen candidate.
Job description
We are seeking an enthusiastic and outstanding post-doctoral candidate with a strong background in stem cell biology and the use of the mouse model to study tissue architecture. The candidate will implement lineage tracing techniques and transcriptomic profiling to identify key cellular and molecular players regulating stretch-mediated tissue expansion in vivo. By combining clonal analysis to study cell fates dynamics, whole tissue imaging, single cell RNA sequencing and chromatin profiling, the candidate will master the underlying principles of tissue architecture maintenance upon mechanical perturbations.
The Center
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) has its Hub at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) as well as nodes at UCPH, Melbourne in Australia (MCRI) and Leiden in Nederland (LUMC). Researchers within reNEW addresses fundamental questions in stem cell and developmental biology and will pivot research findings to clinical outcomes and products for patients with incurable disorders such as congenital kidney disorders, type 1 diabetes, heart defects, Parkinsons’ disease.
Qualifications
- Candidates must hold a PhD degree in cell/molecular/developmental/stem cell biology/ or similar, with a track-record of successful scientific work.
- Candidates should have a strong background in mouse genetics, cell and molecular biology and/or cell imaging.
- Previous experience using rodents as a research model is a requirement.
- Candidates must hold a FELASA certificate.
- Good English communication skills, both oral and written, are prerequisite for the successful candidate.
- A solution-oriented, organizational and positive mindset is required. The ability to work in a highly collaborative environment both independently and as part of the team is essential.
Terms of salary, work, and employment
The employment is planned to start 1 April 2026 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate. The employment is for 2 years. The position is a full-time position.
The terms of employment are set according to the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations or other relevant professional organization. The position will be at the level of postdoctoral fellow and the basic salary according to seniority. Currently, the salary starts at 39.230 DKK/approx. 5,250 Euro (November 2025-level). A supplement could be negotiated, dependent on the candidate ́s experiences and qualifications. In addition, a monthly contribution of 18.07% of the salary is paid into a pension fund.
Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.
The position is covered by the “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of June 28, 2013.
The application must include
- Motivation letter (It should describe your long-term research vision, the reason for applying to be part of our team and why you think you are the right candidate to fill this position).
- Curriculum vitae incl. education, experience, previous employments, language skills and other relevant skills.
- List of three references (full address, incl. email and phone number).
- List of publications.
- Copy of diplomas/degree certificate(s).
Questions
For further information contact Associate Professor Mariaceleste Aragona, mariaceleste.aragona@sund.ku.dk
Foreign applicants may find the following link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).
How to apply
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Only applications received in time and consisting of the above listed documents will be considered.
Applications and/or any material received after deadline will not be taken into consideration.
The application will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 284 of 25 April 2008 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
Assessment procedure
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk
Application deadline: 14 December 2025, 23.59pm CET
Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the oldest university in Denmark. It is among the largest universities in Scandinavia and is one of the highest ranking in Europe. The University´s eight faculties include Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science, Social Sciences and Theology. www.ku.dk
Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.